Reports

The Platemeters App allows you to collect data out in the field, and then export that data in a range of formats or reports.

This data can be used directly or imported into other systems for further analysis. There are currently five export options available within the app: 

• Standard CSV
• PDF
• KML
• Minda
• AgriNet

Standard CSV 

The ‘Standard CSV’ option will export the raw data of your platemeter readings and paddock summaries in spreadsheets in the generic csv data format. This format can be opened in virtually all standard spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets etc. 

You will receive two spreadsheets, one will contain the individual readings (assuming you collected the data using a platemeter connected via Bluetooth to the app) and the other will contain the paddock summaries which are the averages for each paddock. 

Anyone familiar with spreadsheet applications will be able to take this data and either perform analysis on it or manipulate it into other formats. Many third party systems will have methods to import csv or similar spreadsheet data, and this allows you to store your data in your system or database of choice. 

Readings columns: 

  • collectionDate: The date and time each reading was recorded, in UTC time. 
  • kgDMha: the kilograms of Dry Matter per hectare, calculated using the active formula in the app at the time of export. 
  • paddockId: an internal unique app identifier for the paddock. 
  • paddockName: the name of the paddock from the app. 
  • paddockAbbreviation: the short code of the paddock from the app. 
  • platemeterId: the identifier of the platemeter used to collect the readings. 
  • readingId: an internal unique identifier for each reading. 
  • recordedHeight: the raw height from the platemeter reading that is the basis of the calculated kgDMha. 
  • Latitude, longitude and elevation: the gps coordinates where each reading was recorded. 

Paddock Summary columns: 

  • Paddock Name: name of the paddock from the app. 
  • paddockAbbreviation: the short code of the paddock from the app. 
  • Area: the area of the paddock in hectares as recorded in the app. 
  • Current: the current paddock average reading in kgDMha, as calculated using the active formula in the app at the time of export. 
  • Previous: the previous paddock average reading in kgDMha. 
  • Previous Date: the date of the previous reading, in UTC time. 
  • Available Cover: this is the current kgDMha figure multiplied by the area of the paddock, minus the residual as recorded in the app against this walk. 
  • Per Stock: the amount of cover divided by the number of stock as recorded in the app against this walk. 
  • Longitude and latitude: where the locations are recorded, this is the average of the gps locations of all the readings that contributed towards this paddock summary. 
  • collectionDate: the date this paddock summary record was entered, in UTC time. 
  • paddockId: an internal unique identifier for each paddock. 
  • paddockSummaryId: an internal unique identifier for each paddock summary record. 
  • readingCount: the number of readings that contributed towards this summary record. 
  • recordedHeight: the raw average height of all the readings. 

 

PDF 

The ‘PDF’ option will generate a PDF report with two parts, a basic table and a feedwedge. 

The feedwedge is a well known graph that allows you to visualise the amount of feed available and plan your feed budget. For more information on the feedwedge graph, visit https://www.dairynz.co.nz/feed/pasture-management/feed-wedges-and-rotation-planners/feed-wedges 

The table contains several of the paddock summary columns as outlined in the CSV export section. 

 

KML 

KML is an XML-based file format for displaying information in a geographic context. KML information can be drawn in many earth-based browsers, such as Google Earth and ArcGIS Earth. 

To use a KML file, you will first need to one of those software applications installed on your device. Please read the documentation for these third-party applications for instructions on installation and use. Note that Platemeters does not provide support for use of these third-party software applications. 

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/help/data/kml/what-is-kml-.htm 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyhole_Markup_Language 

 

Minda 

Minda is a third-party herd management system by LIC that can consume pasture cover information. 

If this option is selected in the app, you will be emailed a csv pre-formatted with the necessary columns that Minda expects, allowing you to easily import your Platemeters pasture cover information into Minda. Please refer to the Minda documentation for instructions on how to import data. 

Note: Minda is a third-party system and Platemeters does not provide support for use of their systems. https://www.lic.co.nz/products-and-services/minda/ 

 

 

AgriNet 

AgriNet is third party herd management system that can consume pasture cover information. 

If this option is selected in the app, you will be presented with a popup asking for your AgriNet username, password and email address. Once entered, this allows the app to upload your pasture cover data directly into the AgriNet system for you. Please refer to the AgriNet documentation for instructions on how to use the data. 

Note: AgriNet is a third-party system and Platemeters does not provide support for use of their systems. https://www.agrinet.ie/